Friday Favorite Links

– Proper and tattooed Victorian ladies in porcelain. (Laughing Squid)

– My favorite ongoing feature at Refinery 29 is the City Hall Weddings. I just love it. It’s always so sweet to just see the bride and groom on such a special day–and everyone’s fashion is so unique. (Refinery 29)

– I love me some Red Hot Chili Peppers and since I’ve always thought their drummer looks like Will Ferrell (or vice versa), this “long-awaited” drum-off between them is hilarious. (Funny or Die)

– Lately I’ve been liking the new algorithm or whatever is deciding who my Popular page on Instagram consists of. I’ve followed a bunch of new accounts lately based on some awesome curation. This company based in LA does beautiful leather goods. I kind of want this new Mod item–it’s like my dream wallet/notebook/life organizer thingy. (This Is Ground)

–  Bar carts are all the rage right now, but honestly, all I can think is having to dust and keep it organized. This cabinet version is such a cool alternative. (A Beautiful Mess)

 

-Cheers and Happy Weekend!

 

 

A Lame Apology, Fashion Eye Candy to Sweeten the Deal

It’s February 12… in the year 2013.

Ugh.

It’s been almost three months since my last post and I feel awful about it. Normally I would go into a full recap of all the cool wonderful things I’ve done the past few weeks, but then it would feel like those apologies with a ton of excuses and backstory that serves to only alleviate my guilt. So, simply put, I’m sorry mostly to myself for slacking big time.

In far better and prettier news, can we please talk about this head to toe look from Chloe Moretz?

Image via gofugyourself

I freaking love this.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a dress on a celebrity that makes me so envious. I even love her nail polish with all the different pastel shades.  I think the whole look is super cute with the hair and reminds me of the post I did after the Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton show. The dress here is actually from Stella McCartney and the shoes are Christian Louboutin.

Pointy heels are apparently back. I’m not sure how I feel about this because while I love them, they tend to hurt more. But I love the effect of them. While browsing Zara for bags, I came across a similar pair for $80. It’s not see-through like the Louboutin pair, but the white contrast is still great.

Now, to find that dress in my price range.

Jewelry Trends: Pyramids, Triangles, and Bunting, Oh My!

I’ve become obsessed with the triangle shape in jewelry lately. It might have to do with my affinity for bunting right now. I know bunting flags are all over Pinterest boards and they’re not necessarily unique to parties anymore, but in the form of jewelry, it can still be striking and bold, yet still feel delicate.

I’ve been a little crazy over isosceles, but I love jewelry that has character and triangle shapes can really do that. It makes pieces seem special without feeling like you can only wear them once in a while.

Necklaces

This is just perfect–I even added it to my wish list for a Secret Santa exchange I’m doing. It’s made of copper and the letters in your name are stamped on. I’ve been looking for a “name” necklace for a while that didn’t feel too much like Sex and the City, so this find made me squeal. I love it! There are many options available at Etsy without any custom lettering, as well. (via hersilverlining)

Again, sharp but delicate. The cut out triangles make it feel lighter. It also has different metal finishes to give it a little more jazz. (via ASOS)

In case you were looking for a little bit more color. On Etsy, there are a ton of multicolored options as well as different types of material including wood and fabric. I like how this bright piece can give some life to the darker hues of Fall and Winter. And it’s under $7! (via LDnest)

The chevron shape is great too. I love the black and gold contrast, like the wood was dipped  in ink. The seller has other jewelry that likes to play with geometric shapes. (via Jess)

Rings

This ring is actually made from a button. I love the metal and wood contrast and the color gives it an earthy feel despite the deco elements. The angles contrast nicely against the round shapes. It’s all about softened edges. (via SilkPurseSowsEar)

This is so cool. A pyramid ring–an inverted pyramid ring to be exact. It’s almost as if it’s waiting for a diamond to be placed there. (via CSfootprints)

Triangle rings for your nails! I love me some nail art, so these rings are awesome. It can dress up any simple manicure when you’re not doing work on your nails or even add to an existing design. This is such a clever idea. (via superwicked)

As my 8th grade English teacher used to say, “keep it simple, silly.” Sometimes, the beauty is in its simplicity. Ah…a tiny triangle. The perfect little piece with an “edge.” ha. (via NoaNoaJewelry)

I really am partial to black and gold, especially in tiny earring form. I chose this pair over the dozens of triangle earrings you can find on Etsy because of it’s three dimensional quality. (via PetiteCo)

I have earrings similar to these ones and I wear them constantly. These are a bit more pricey but I think worth the investment since they are gold-plated and a great everyday stud earring. (via Kate Spade)

I’m not normally a fan of jewelry made of Swarovski crystal, but I like how this feels like it has a roughness to it that tones down the flash of the crystal. It comes in a different color too, which looks more like amber and achieves the same rough diamond look.(via MASHUGANA)

Sometimes one triangle isn’t enough. I love how light these must feel with that silver wire and with most things, I want a pair in every color! (via foxtailboutique)

I “Loaf” These Shoes

Last week I came home to help celebrate my parents’ birthdays which are only a few days apart. I was also excited to get to LA because I had shoes shipped to that address. I had been looking for the perfect black loafers that didn’t have any studs or extras while still being comfortable and affordable. Sometimes they were just too expensive or the material felt hard and looked cheap.  My good friend Jackie happened to stop by my house a few weeks ago wearing these perfect loafers from Zara. I actually squealed when I saw them.

From the Zara website.

They’re at a great price for under $40 and the outer part is made from velvet. It’s got the basic classic design, and the velvet makes it feel like they should have cost more. They take some time to break in, but it’s a great addition for a Fall wardrobe with a little bit of edge as ballet flats can feel a bit girly at times.

Right out of the box. I love getting stuff in the mail. (Plus, free shipping!)

Outside our doorway next to our mini pumpkin patch.

Taking them out to enjoy some Fall foliage.

Mad for Mod

I pretty much love all things checkered, plaid, or striped. I think because I tend to shy away from color I make up for it in patterns. Some images from Paris Fashion Week, specifically Marc Jacobs with Louis Vuitton, have been buzzing in my mind lately. Everything he does for LV is so lovely and girlie. I really loved the show on the carousel from last year. The recent runway (or elevator way?) had a definite Mod aspect to it and I absolutely loved the hair and makeup. I think Mod dresses and lines tend to flatter smaller body types and I’m all for big chunky sweaters or waistlines that don’t cinch. It’s Fall for goodness sakes! I’m eating pumpkin scones and pie till February!

It’s the perfect little white dress and wouldn’t swallow someone short. (me!)

There was a lot of checkers at the show. The look on the right is adorable and I recently thrifted a sweater in a black and white plaid pattern. Black and white is simple, but the vibe here is so cool.

Little Black Dress love. The cut is simple but it’s shiny and fun.

There’s nothing about this I don’t love. It makes me want to buy Keds and eyeliner. And a bow. Seriously, put a bow on something and I’ll probably buy it. This is just so pretty.

Since I definitely can’t afford anything from Louis Vuitton unless it was a bag and I bought it for my mom after saving for months which I then split with my sister anyway, I perused online for Mod-inspired looks.

Clockwise from top left: Zara coat, Twiggy, H&M pant, some (mod)ern day mod, H&M patent leather loafers, Zara Coat with leather sleeves, Forever 21 sweater, Fred Perry for Amy Winehouse

Source for LV show: Fashionista

Over the Moon for Maroon

I’ve been kind of on a bag kick the last few months, but my color range is pretty basic (read-black). Personally, I could never buy a bag with print or too much color because I tend to shy away from anything loud. It’s only been recently that I’ve even allowed pink and green in my general wardrobe. I know, shocking. And when it comes to bags, it’s hard for me to justify spending a lot of money on something that will color clash.

Oh, but how sweet that this season’s go-to hue seems to be in the dark red family. Everywhere I look it’s burgundies, deep wines and reds, and maroon which is a great color range for Fall and yet still allows for a pop of color when you’re swamped in sweaters and scarves which I will be because I think 70 degrees is freezing—I went to bed with three blankets last night!

Below are some that have caught my eye that won’t break the bank and some that will make your wallet cry, but at least they’re pretty to look at. I actually just saw the Zara one last weekend but well…it’s big. My sister could fit in it.

1. Dorothy Perkins – Red Zig Zag Bag $79

2. Mod Cloth – Ask For The Maroon Bag $69

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Thunderdome Solid Leather Travel Doctor $498

4. Mulberry – Bayswater Black Forest Soft Matte $1350

5. Zara – Burgundy Plaited Shopper $159

6. Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel $1995

Let’s Boot Up

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of black boots for Fall. After some extensive online (and window) shopping, it seems I’m partial to a cross between a flat boot and a riding boot.

Madewell – The Archive Boot

I saw these in the window while shopping in Pasadena looking for loafers. The leather looked so soft but the shape kept up well. This season I’m looking for a boot with a little more structure that doesn’t slouch, but still gives room in the calf. The two big problems I run into when buying boots is that they  don’t  have enough room in the back which makes them hard to fit and the design of the boot isn’t rigid enough that it starts to give and bunch at the ankle. These Madewell boots seem to solve both problems as the leather has give and the inherent nature of riding boots requires it to be freestanding and not to limp and fall over.

DSW Sofft Claremont Riding Boot

These seem to be similar, but also quite high. I like the little buckle detail in the back as well. Unlike the Madewell ones, instead of small “bootstraps” on the ends, a higher front can be used to pull this up. They’re also under $100 and living in Southern California, a wiser investment.

Enzo Angiolini – Zarynn Riding Boot

I love how you can barely tell there’s a heel! I bet these Enzo Angiolini boots would be so comfortable. And again, the double buckle detail is great because it’s simple and not flashy. Also at a great price for about $120.

Coach Martta Boot

I think, like the Madewell ones, this Coach boot marries the best of the flat boot and riding boot qualities. It’s got obvious pull-tabs, a low heel, and simple but interesting structure thanks to the gold buckles on the side. It’s definitely a bit more in terms of cost, but they have a great classic look that can be used season after season.

The beginning of October seems to be the best time to just pull the trigger on a pair so come March or whenever the weather gets warmer, you really have put some mileage on them. Decisions, decisions. Though, I should probably make one soon as thunderstorms are starting to roll over California. Oh, the delicate temperature of west coasters.